Faces/places

September 14, 1989

FACES

* Charles E. Cockrell, head of the Models of Engineering Section at NASA's Langley Research Center, has been selected to attend the Maxwell Midcareer Program in Public Administration at Syracuse University. Selected by NASA Headquarters following an intercenter competition, Cockrell will participate in an opening seminar followed by five months of intensive study at the Syracuse, New York, institution.

The Syracuse-Maxwell Program has been preparing men and women for public service since 1924; and since 1964, its Midcareer Development Program has provided career public servants with a wide range of long-term opportunities and graduate credits which may be applied to the master's degree.

Cockrell began his NASA career at Langley as an apprentice sheetmetal worker in 1961. He completed the apprentice school as an engineering draftsman in 1965, and earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University in 1978. he is presently pursuing a master's degree at ODU.

"The Syracuse-Maxwell Program will expand my horizons by offering exposure to new concepts and ideas," says Cockrell. "I hope to broaden my managerial capabilities by improving my leadership, communications and decision-making skills." The midcareer program will allow Cockrell to complete credit requirements for the master's program and graduate from ODU in May 1990.

Cockrell has been the recipient of NASA's Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal, the Peninsula Outstanding Young Leader Award, and NASA Langley's Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. He was named an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1975 and 1978, and he is a life member of the Virginia Jaycees and Jaycees International.

He and his wife, Barbara Jane, live in Hampton. They have a son and a daughter.

* Judy McMillan, acting dean of student services/associate professor, Rex Evans, professional counselor/professor, and Bobbie Wright, department head of sociology/professor, all of Thomas Nelson Community College, have been selected to serve as members of the Leadership Class of 1990 sponsored by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

The purpose of the leadership institute is to inform and challenge the emerging leaders of the Peninsula.

PLACES

* A number of area businesses have made generous contributions to support the grand opening events of the Chesapeake Bay Exhibition Wing at The Mariners' Museum.

The $4.2 million Chespeake Bay Exhibition Wing, opening Sunday, Sept. 24 features a new museum entrance and lobby, Chesapeake Bay Gallery, and 50-seat theater. A separate museum gallery is also a part of the expansion.

* Beginning this month in September, a limited-edition print of "Mary of Norfolk" will be part of a display circulated by Signet Bank/Virgina throughout its Peninsula branches. Thomas N. Downing, former president of The Mariners' Museum, recently presented the framed print to David N. Boling, senior vice-president, and Kelly Gowen, vice-president, at Signet Bank/Virginia in recognition of the banks's $24,000 donation in support of the museum's new Chesapeake Bay Exhibition Wing.

The "Mary of Norfolk" watercolor painting (c. 1795) is one of the earliest-known views documenting maritime activities on the Chesapeake Bay. Attributed to George R. Tobin, the painting depicts a trio of early pilot schooners off Cape Henry. The later Baltimore Clipper schooners made famous during the War of 1812 can trace their origins back to such pilot vessels as the "Mary of Norfolk."

The original "Mary of Norfolk" painting is displayed in the navigation section of the New Chesapeake Bay Gallery, which opens Sept. 24. The gallery is part of the 23,000 square-foot addition to the museum that also features a new museum entrance and lobby, and 50-seat orientation theater. The museum has also added a separate gift gallery.

Signet Bank/Virginia's display will be circulated throughout the 11 branches until the end of the year.